Ethica Wines Named 2026 Importer of the Year by Wine Enthusiast

The recognition comes as the Italian wine importer celebrates a decade of growth, portfolio development, and investment in the future of Italian wine

MIAMI, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ethica Wines, a leading importer of premium Italian wines, has been named Importer of the Year in Wine Enthusiast's 2026 Wine Star Awards. The recognition coincides with the company's 10th anniversary and continued growth, having closed 2025 with approximately $157 million in revenue. Since its founding in 2016, Ethica has expanded the global reach of premium Italian wines through strategic investments in its people, portfolio, and producer partnerships.

Specializing in premium Italian wines, Ethica has expanded across North America and Asia-Pacific, building a portfolio of leading wineries and family-owned producers.

Ethica's growth is underpinned by sustained investment in its people, education, and market development, with more than 140 employees globally and over 500 trade events organized annually. Through initiatives such as the World Wine Pro Program, Ethica continues to invest in the next generation of wine professionals, providing passionate, emerging talent with hands-on education, mentorship, and firsthand experience with Italian producers. This commitment to developing talent and investing in the future of the industry reflects the leadership and forward-thinking approach that have helped establish Ethica as a driving force in the global wine trade.

The company's strategic approach to business has resulted in its sustained growth amid significant challenges in the wine industry. In just 10 years, the company has built an agile business by maintaining its laser focus on Italian wine and prioritizing long-term growth over short-term market pressure.

"Being recognized as Importer of the Year is both an honor and reflection of the dedication of our team, the strength of our partnerships, and our belief in the long-term potential of investing in Italian wine," said Francesco Ganz, Founder and CEO of Ethica Wines. "Since the beginning, our vision has remained consistent: to build a company that creates lasting value for our producers, distributors, and accounts while making the richness and diversity of Italy's wine culture accessible to consumers and the next generation of wine professionals."

The past two years specifically have brought significant acclaim for Ethica Wines, with the company named one the Fastest-Growing Companies in the United States by the Financial Times in both 2025 and 2026. These distinctions reflect the strength of Ethica's ability to translate deep expertise in Italian wine into sustained commercial success, stronger producer partnerships, and broader market reach.

For Ethica Wines, 2026 marks a defining moment in the company's evolution. As it celebrates its 10th anniversary and receives Wine Enthusiast's Importer of the Year award, Ethica looks ahead to its next chapter with an ambitious vision for continued growth, stronger partnerships, and bringing the diversity of Italian wines to markets around the world.

About Ethica Wines 

Since 2016, Ethica Wines has represented and marketed a significant selection of Italian wineries in the USA, Canada, and the Asia-Pacific region. With a young yet experienced commercial team, a marketing department focused on cultural mediation, and excellent logistical and administrative support, the company helps producers navigate ever-changing markets. Ethica Wines now represents 60 wineries from Italy's major wine regions and has built a network of over 150 distributors. Its strong cultural identity and the right talents have enabled Ethica Wines to increase its turnover year after year, positioning itself as the leading and most effective commercial partner for Italian wineries seeking to develop or strengthen their presence in the North America and APAC markets.

About Wine Enthusiast

Wine Enthusiast Companies is the ultimate source of innovation and information around wine. Founded in 1979 by Adam and Sybil Strum, the family-owned company is composed of Wine Enthusiast Commerce and Wine Enthusiast Media. Wine Enthusiast Shop provides premium wine-lifestyle products, reaching millions of consumers globally via direct mail, an e-commerce site, and a business-to-business division. Wine Enthusiast magazine is an award-winning print publication and online resource that showcases wine news, food trends, and more than 25,000 ratings and reviews annually. Wine Enthusiast events include the annual premier Wine Star Awards gala. In 2024, the company launched a travel division, which includes the Tasting Room Directory and Cork+Compass Travel. Together, Wine Enthusiast Companies is the indisputable hub for everything wine. We bring wine to life.

About Wine Enthusiast's Wine Star Awards

Each year, Wine Enthusiast celebrates the most influential members of the wine, spirits, and beverage world at the annual Wine Star Awards. This year marks the 27th anniversary of honoring the individuals and companies that make outstanding contributions to the industry. There are 16 categories for the 2026 Wine Star Awards. Four of the categories will have a named winner. The other 12 categories include a list of nominees exemplifying dedication and innovation to the success and growth of the wine, spirits, and beverage sector. The nominees were nominated by members of the Wine Enthusiast media team, including the global sales, events, marketing and editorial divisions. The 2026 Wine Star Award winners will be honored at the 27th annual black-tie gala in January 2027.

Media Contact:
Victoria Vigliotti
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SOURCE Ethica Wines